Port nan Aighean

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Argyllshire

Scotland

Port nan Aighean

Rubh' Eilean an t-Santachaidh from the west, evening Taken during a paddle from Bunessan round to Fidden Farm on the Ross of Mull, the evening sun made for sore eyes paddling west, but provided great lighting looking back. The Ross of Mull Granite is here part of the RM1 zone of equigranular biotite monzogranite, well outside the zone with diorite xenoliths seen so well to the SW (eg. in Erraid). Reference: BGS Scotland Sheet 43S, "Ross of Mull", provisional series 1:50000, 1999. The lovely pink feldspars catch the rays of the setting sun, but the quartz crystals provide a rough time for any rock-hopping sea kayaker who gets a bit too close. There was very little swell here this evening, but further west as we approached the Sound of Iona, conditions got more exciting.
Rubh' Eilean an t-Santachaidh from the west, evening Credit: Andy Waddington

Port nan Aighean is a picturesque coastal settlement located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated on the west coast of the country, it boasts a stunning view of the sea, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

This idyllic port is nestled at the mouth of an estuary, where a small creek meets the sea. The estuary, with its calm and sheltered waters, serves as a natural harbor for local fishing boats and yachts. The creek, surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky outcrops, adds to the charm of the area.

The sea at Port nan Aighean is a prominent feature, offering breathtaking vistas of the open waters. The coastline is rugged and dotted with enchanting sandy beaches, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and beachcombing. The sea is also home to a diverse range of marine life, attracting nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.

The port itself is a small settlement with charming houses, some of which date back centuries. The community is tight-knit and welcoming, making visitors feel at home. Local amenities include a traditional pub, a few shops, and a seafood restaurant, where visitors can savor the catch of the day.

Port nan Aighean is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature's beauty. Whether it's exploring the estuary, strolling along the sandy beaches, or simply enjoying the serenity of the sea, this coastal gem offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

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Port nan Aighean Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.343236/-6.3087467 or Grid Reference NM3325. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rubh' Eilean an t-Santachaidh from the west, evening Taken during a paddle from Bunessan round to Fidden Farm on the Ross of Mull, the evening sun made for sore eyes paddling west, but provided great lighting looking back. The Ross of Mull Granite is here part of the RM1 zone of equigranular biotite monzogranite, well outside the zone with diorite xenoliths seen so well to the SW (eg. in Erraid). Reference: BGS Scotland Sheet 43S, "Ross of Mull", provisional series 1:50000, 1999. The lovely pink feldspars catch the rays of the setting sun, but the quartz crystals provide a rough time for any rock-hopping sea kayaker who gets a bit too close. There was very little swell here this evening, but further west as we approached the Sound of Iona, conditions got more exciting.
Rubh' Eilean an t-Santachaidh from the west, evening
Taken during a paddle from Bunessan round to Fidden Farm on the Ross of Mull, the evening sun made for sore eyes paddling west, but provided great lighting looking back. The Ross of Mull Granite is here part of the RM1 zone of equigranular biotite monzogranite, well outside the zone with diorite xenoliths seen so well to the SW (eg. in Erraid). Reference: BGS Scotland Sheet 43S, "Ross of Mull", provisional series 1:50000, 1999. The lovely pink feldspars catch the rays of the setting sun, but the quartz crystals provide a rough time for any rock-hopping sea kayaker who gets a bit too close. There was very little swell here this evening, but further west as we approached the Sound of Iona, conditions got more exciting.
Passing Rubha na Reing, seen from the entrance of Garbh Phort Taken during a paddle from Bunessan round to Fidden Farm on the Ross of Mull, the evening sun made for sore eyes paddling west, but provided great lighting looking back. The Ross of Mull Granite is here part of the RM1 zone of equigranular biotite monzogranite, well outside the zone with diorite xenoliths seen so well to the SW (eg. in Erraid). Reference: BGS Scotland Sheet 43S, "Ross of Mull", provisional series 1:50000, 1999. The lovely pink feldspars catch the rays of the setting sun, but the quartz crystals provide a rough time for any rock-hopping sea kayaker who gets a bit too close. There had been little swell to the east, protected by this small headland, but as we pass to its west, the conditions are getting a bit more interesting and we would meet some quite big waves as we headed for the Sound of Iona.
Passing Rubha na Reing, seen from the entrance of Garbh Phort
Taken during a paddle from Bunessan round to Fidden Farm on the Ross of Mull, the evening sun made for sore eyes paddling west, but provided great lighting looking back. The Ross of Mull Granite is here part of the RM1 zone of equigranular biotite monzogranite, well outside the zone with diorite xenoliths seen so well to the SW (eg. in Erraid). Reference: BGS Scotland Sheet 43S, "Ross of Mull", provisional series 1:50000, 1999. The lovely pink feldspars catch the rays of the setting sun, but the quartz crystals provide a rough time for any rock-hopping sea kayaker who gets a bit too close. There had been little swell to the east, protected by this small headland, but as we pass to its west, the conditions are getting a bit more interesting and we would meet some quite big waves as we headed for the Sound of Iona.
Rock-hopping towards Rubh na Cearc, Ross of Mull Like most sea kayaking trips, we'd chosen our time of day to get the tides working for us - soon after this shot was taken, the ebb tide was whisking us south down the Sound of Iona with very little effort on our part. That meant that we were passing Rubha na Cearc close to the top of the tide (and getting towards evening). These skerries look a lot bigger on the map and on aerial photos which are mostly shot near low tide. Even with this much water covering them, the small swell was causing the occasional breaking wave, one of which had just knocked Pete somewhat off-course, needing a swift reactive steering stroke to avoid the biggest barnacle-encrusted bit of granite.
Rock-hopping towards Rubh na Cearc, Ross of Mull
Like most sea kayaking trips, we'd chosen our time of day to get the tides working for us - soon after this shot was taken, the ebb tide was whisking us south down the Sound of Iona with very little effort on our part. That meant that we were passing Rubha na Cearc close to the top of the tide (and getting towards evening). These skerries look a lot bigger on the map and on aerial photos which are mostly shot near low tide. Even with this much water covering them, the small swell was causing the occasional breaking wave, one of which had just knocked Pete somewhat off-course, needing a swift reactive steering stroke to avoid the biggest barnacle-encrusted bit of granite.
Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh View along the beach called Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh
Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh
View along the beach called Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh
Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh View of Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh and the rocky promontory that separates it from Traigh na Margaidh
Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh
View of Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh and the rocky promontory that separates it from Traigh na Margaidh
Cnoc Rubha nan Cearc Granite outcrops on the northern side of the Ross of Mull, interspersed with wet boggy land.
Cnoc Rubha nan Cearc
Granite outcrops on the northern side of the Ross of Mull, interspersed with wet boggy land.
Moorland and granite outcrops near Kintra A large area of wet and rough going  near the northern end of the Ross of Mull.
Moorland and granite outcrops near Kintra
A large area of wet and rough going near the northern end of the Ross of Mull.
Moorland and granite near Cnoc Gart an Fhithrich With Bac Mor or the Dutchman's Cap 16km northwest.
Moorland and granite near Cnoc Gart an Fhithrich
With Bac Mor or the Dutchman's Cap 16km northwest.
Port Gart an Fhithrich Looking across to Ardmenach.
Port Gart an Fhithrich
Looking across to Ardmenach.
Heather moorland at Creich Wet moorland and grass among outcrops of granite.
Heather moorland at Creich
Wet moorland and grass among outcrops of granite.
Port Gart an Fhithrich A small beach near Kintra on the Ross of Mull.
Port Gart an Fhithrich
A small beach near Kintra on the Ross of Mull.
A view northwest from Port Gart an Fhithrich Across to the Treshnish Isles, Staffa and other islands to the southwest of northern Mull.
A view northwest from Port Gart an Fhithrich
Across to the Treshnish Isles, Staffa and other islands to the southwest of northern Mull.
Cnoc Gart an Fhithrich Looking through a gap in the outcrop to the small beach of Port Gart an Fhithrich.
Cnoc Gart an Fhithrich
Looking through a gap in the outcrop to the small beach of Port Gart an Fhithrich.
Wet moorland near Kintra Wet bog and rough, heathery grassland amongst outcrops of granite.
Wet moorland near Kintra
Wet bog and rough, heathery grassland amongst outcrops of granite.
Rough moorland near Kintra With rocky outcrops of granite.
Rough moorland near Kintra
With rocky outcrops of granite.
Moorland near Kintra Granite outcrops and wet moorland.
Moorland near Kintra
Granite outcrops and wet moorland.
Granite  outcrops and moorland on Mull Near Kintra at the western end of the Mull of Ross. Unfriendly going - wet and boggy.
Granite outcrops and moorland on Mull
Near Kintra at the western end of the Mull of Ross. Unfriendly going - wet and boggy.
Eastern lobe of the beach; Traigh na Margaidh Looking over the bay to the easternmost beach - Traigh na Margaidh
Eastern lobe of the beach; Traigh na Margaidh
Looking over the bay to the easternmost beach - Traigh na Margaidh
Show me another place!

Port nan Aighean is located at Grid Ref: NM3325 (Lat: 56.343236, Lng: -6.3087467)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///lure.punch.taller. Near Fionnphort, Argyll & Bute

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.343236,-6.3087467
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.3414833/-6.3058223
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.3406969/-6.3051513
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.3402172/-6.3041532
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.341398/-6.3044807
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.3430446/-6.3015803
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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